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Propulsion Technology

All articles tagged with #propulsion technology

Seeing Inside the Ramjet: NRL’s Optical Diagnostics Promise Major Range Leap
military27 days ago

Seeing Inside the Ramjet: NRL’s Optical Diagnostics Promise Major Range Leap

US Naval Research Laboratory researchers used optical diagnostic techniques to observe a solid-fuel ramjet’s combustor, measuring flame temperatures, fuel vaporization, and gas-phase species, and combining these data with high-fidelity simulations (DES/LES) to validate models, potentially increasing operational range by 200-300% and accelerating development through better virtual prototyping for future high-speed defense systems.

via Interesting Engineering|
#military#optical-diagnostics#propulsion-technology
GE and Lockheed Hit Milestone with Liquid-Fueled Hypersonic Ramjet Demonstration
technology1 month ago

GE and Lockheed Hit Milestone with Liquid-Fueled Hypersonic Ramjet Demonstration

GE Aerospace and Lockheed Martin demonstrated a liquid-fueled rotating detonation ramjet in tests, showing potential for faster, farther missiles with lower production costs. The compact ramjet combines GE’s rotating detonation combustor with Lockheed Martin’s high-speed inlet, and tests at GE’s Niskayuna center validated ignition and cruise operation. The companies plan further maturation of the propulsion system in 2026.

via Lockheed Martin|
#ge-aerospace#hypersonic-missiles#lockheed-martin
Exploring the New Era of Very Low Earth Orbit Satellites
space1 month ago

Exploring the New Era of Very Low Earth Orbit Satellites

Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellites, orbiting 60 to 250 miles above Earth, offer advantages like higher resolution images and faster communication, but face challenges from atmospheric drag and corrosion. Researchers are developing innovative propulsion systems, such as air-breathing microwave plasma thrusters, to maintain VLEO satellites, which could revolutionize Earth observation, weather forecasting, and communications. Significant investments are driving this emerging space frontier closer to reality.

via Space|
#atmospheric-drag#propulsion-technology#satellites
Quantum Space acquires Phase Four propulsion assets
technology5 months ago

Quantum Space acquires Phase Four propulsion assets

Quantum Space is acquiring propulsion assets from Phase Four to enhance its Ranger spacecraft, aiming to support national security and commercial missions with advanced multi-mode thruster technology, including facilities for rapid development. The deal signifies a strategic move to improve space mobility capabilities, especially for defense applications, amid Phase Four's recent operational uncertainties.

via SpaceNews|
#national-security#phase-four#propulsion-technology
Scientists Race to Explore Vanishing Mysterious World
science7 months ago

Scientists Race to Explore Vanishing Mysterious World

Scientists are racing to send a spacecraft to Sedna, a distant dwarf planet on an elongated orbit that will be closest to the Sun in 2076, to study its composition and origins before it moves away again. Due to the extreme distance, innovative propulsion methods like solar sails or fusion drives are being considered, but both face significant technical challenges. A successful mission could provide valuable insights into the early Solar System and potentially extraterrestrial material, but timing and technological development are critical.

via ZME Science|
#dwarf-planet#outer-solar-system#propulsion-technology
The Juicy Delay: Unraveling the Mystery
space-exploration2 years ago

The Juicy Delay: Unraveling the Mystery

The European Space Agency's Juice spacecraft is taking a long time to reach Jupiter due to various factors, including the amount of fuel used, the power of the rocket, the mass of the spacecraft, and the geometry of the planets. To conserve fuel and achieve the desired trajectory, the spacecraft takes a scenic route and utilizes gravity-assist maneuvers by flying close to Earth, the Earth-moon system, and Venus. Once it arrives at Jupiter in 2031, Juice will conduct a series of flybys of Jupiter's moons, including Ganymede, making it the first spacecraft to orbit a moon other than Earth's.

via Phys.org|
#esa#gravity-assist#juice-spacecraft
"Revolutionizing Home Appliances: The Magnetohydrodynamic Drive Takes Over the Kitchen Sink"
science-and-technology2 years ago

"Revolutionizing Home Appliances: The Magnetohydrodynamic Drive Takes Over the Kitchen Sink"

A YouTuber named Jay Bowles has successfully experimented with a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drive, a propulsion technology that uses magnets and electrodes to silently propel a craft through water. By using a pair of electrodes and a single magnet, he achieved measurable results with just a standard bench supply. Through various experiments, he found that the MHD drive is forgiving in terms of design specifics, with more power and bigger magnets resulting in higher velocity. However, the brass electrodes showed signs of wear and tear, raising questions about the drive's long-term durability.

via Hackaday|
#electrodes#experiment#magnetohydrodynamic-drive
Brothers aim to create moon water-powered spacecraft after SpaceX experience.
space2 years ago

Brothers aim to create moon water-powered spacecraft after SpaceX experience.

Argo Space Corporation, founded by three SpaceX veterans, plans to build reusable spacecraft propelled by water harvested from the moon to create an in-space transportation network. The company's first spacecraft, the Argonaut, is designed to perform energy-intensive transfers to geosynchronous and beyond, and will depend on lunar water harvested and stored in-space for refueling. Argo recently closed a $2 million funding round to continue development on its technology. The company plans to generate revenue from in-space transportation services until it can get hardware on the moon and prove out its plan.

via TechCrunch|
#argo-space-corporation#in-space-transportation#lunar-water